I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I liiiiiiiiiike!
1-minute tip for artists: Bicycles.
Winnipeg’s Glassreel Looks Into Their “Crystal Ball” And…They Want A Refund On This Whole Adulthood Thing
Stand-out Winnipeg’s alt rock-pop outfit Glassreel map the delicate journey into unknown adulthood and unmet expectations with new single, “Crystal Ball” — available now.
A partnership between longtime musical collaborators Kelly Beaton and Trevor Graumann — with Andrew Workman and Ken Phillips — Glassreel and their 2019 debut EP Unalike has been heralded throughout North America, with features on 100+ radio stations (including CBC and NPR) and a foothold on the !earshot National Top 50 for multiple weeks. Additionally, their music is featured in several episodes of celebrity chef David Rocco’s forthcoming series, Dolce Italia.
Separately and together, Beaton and Graumann have shared the stage with Wintersleep, Said the Whale, Partner, iskwē, Sloan, Land of Talk, The New Pornographers, Tokyo Police Club, Julie Doiron, and more, and have played SXSW and Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival, to name a few. Their respective projects have enjoyed critical acclaim from Chart Attack, CBC, CMJ, exclaim!, and ELLE, and have charted throughout North America.
The newest single from Unalike, which was recorded/mixed by Ryan McVeigh (Boats) and mastered by Philip Shaw Bova (Father John Misty, Feist, Andy Shauf), “Crystal Ball” amplifies Glassreel’s signature simplicity and sonic clarity, enveloping listeners in the sobering realization that youthful expectations don’t align with adulthood reality.
“The lyrics were born of anxiety…” Graumann shares of his pen-to-paper process on “Crystal Ball.” “That generalized anxiety around not being where you feel you ‘should be’ at this point in life, as well as some specific anxiety about a specific stressful situation that then occurs.
“The line ‘handing your changes in’ got stuck in my head… Like a ‘call to progress.’”
“I remember the first time Trevor played the demo for me,” Beaton recalls. “I remember what I felt and what my impression was: The song was different, and it was special.
“It was born out of shared experiences and a bigger idea I had not yet seen, but one that Trevor had no doubt been visualizing for a long, long time. ‘Crystal Ball’ was and is such an important song — both personally and reflectively — for our band and for one another.”
Uniquely to “Crystal Ball,” Beaton found it would take some time to fully immerse into the flow of the lyrics as Graumann intended them, but the surmountable hurdle would skyrocket the song to the top as one of her favourites.
“There is an ongoing, simultaneous challenge and privilege of singing someone else’s lyrics,” she shares. “Especially those of a close friend, and someone with many shared experiences that have brought us where we are.
“There were days when I would totally blank and/or interchange the words in the chorus… Over time, and our weird journey together, certain lyrics eventually sank in, and I was able to visualize the song as a whole and communicate the idea to the listener.
“When it’s my turn to choose a song to play at rehearsal, I still choose ‘Crystal Ball.’”
Directed by Workman — with videography by Kelly O’Donnell — the video for “Crystal Ball” was shot on a cool Autumn day in Graumann’s neighbourhood. Its muted colour palette, solitary plight and dreary, somewhat prosaic adventure follows a quizzical child navigating a symbolic adulthood, encountering regret, vulnerability, and hope of transformation along the way.
“Crystal Ball” and Unalike are available now.
Winnipeg Alt-Rockers BULLRIDER Take the Topic of “Dying” Head On in NEW Single
“Turns out, I didn’t just want to sing about it, I wanted to scream about it.”
That’s BULLRIDER’s frontman Bobby Desjarlais referencing the band’s newest single release, “Dying” — available now.
“It’s about death, yes,” he lays plainly, laughing. “But really, it’s mostly about living life to its fullest.
“I had a very close family member diagnosed with cancer say to me, ‘when you have cancer, you’re the only one in the room willing to make a joke.’
“This resonated with me; the fact they would still take the responsibility to make people laugh while they’re sick and possibly dying is real strength. I wanted to help out and sing about death, which is traditionally a difficult topic to breach.”
Which brings us back to… “Turns out, I didn’t just want to sing about it, I wanted to scream about it.”
All caught up now, the Winnipeg-based four-piece extends beyond Desjarlais (The Bokononists, Attica Riots) to include Ben Ferguson (Ash Koley), Tom Sinnott and Chris Peluk (Alverstone, Mad Young Darlings). Together and growing since 2012, they’ve brought their complete yet complex palate of sonic sojourns — from fun-loving to dark and heartbroken, haunting to near-psychedelic in its experience— to stages at The Forks Winnipeg, Harvest Moon Festival, Dauphin’s Country Fest, ManyFest, Hoot Owl, and more.
Previous singles followed a similar, existential and observational theme; “Live My Life” and “The News” serving as prime examples of the band’s rebellious, tongue-in-cheek delivery. “‘Live My Life’ is about needing less to live and be happy,” Desjarlais says. “I just gotta breathe, sleep, eat, and feel… The rest? You can keep, thanks.
“‘The News’ was written in response to my own bad habit of reading too much of it. I had to get out the anxiety it gives me, and music has always been that outlet for me. I tried to make it less about politics and more about the 24-hour news cycle… It’s not good for anyone to be that plugged in, but there I was, reading the daily horror show every day before I got out of bed. That plugged in.
“Writing this record, from idea to completion, was like watching a picture come into focus,” Desjarlais adds of the band’s 14-track debut, 2019’s Hidden Gems And The Love Of Another, where all three tracks reside. “As different as we all are as bandmates, it just makes sense. With this many compatible writers in one room, it was exciting to see what we can make happen.”
“Dying” and Hidden Gems And The Love Of Another are available now.
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” on Bricks….Wait…What?
Dan Mace does covers on YouTube using regular household objects, but his coolness factor just increased after aviewer bet he couldn’t make music using bricks. So, here’s The Weeknd’s hit Blinding Lights.
VIDEO: Tony Bennett Performs ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ at Home
Tony Bennett performs the jazz standard “Fly Me To The Moon” while sheltering at home. As many miss out on weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations due to quarantine, the performance serves as a reminder that love perseveres beyond everything.
Bruce Springsteen Performs ‘Reason to Believe’ Off New Stockholm 2005 Live Album
In front of his beloved Swedish fans, Bruce Springsteen unspools a Devils and Dust tour solo performance par excellence. The 26-song set features outstanding versions of the D&D tour’s core tracks led by the bullet microphone reimagining of “Reason to Believe” and the storytelling masterclass “The Hitter,” along with tour premieres of “Downbound Train,” “Across The Border,” “Blinded By The Light” and a heartfelt piano reading of “Walk Like a Man” played for the first time since 1988. Stockholm 2005 also features “Empty Sky,” “Black Cowboys,” “Part Man, Part Monkey,” and “Lucky Town” on guitar, “The Promise” and “Point Blank” on piano.
Verve Label Group/UMe Announces Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series Acoustic Sounds To Offer Definitive Audiophile Grade Versions Of Classic Jazz Records
Seeking to offer definitive audiophile grade versions of some of the most historic and best jazz records ever recorded, Verve Label Group and UMe’s new audiophile vinyl reissue series Acoustic Sounds will launch July 31 with its inaugural releases – the sensational collaborations, Stan Getz and João Gilberto’s landmark Getz/Gilberto (1964) and the remarkable Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959). Utilizing the skills of the top mastering engineers and the unsurpassed production craft of Quality Record Pressings, all titles will be mastered from the original analog tapes, pressed on 180-gram vinyl and packaged by Stoughton Printing Co. in high-quality tip-on gatefold jackets. The releases will be supervised by Chad Kassem, CEO of Acoustic Sounds, the world’s largest source for audiophile recordings.
The Acoustic Sounds series will feature two releases a month highlighting a different storied label spanning Verve/UMe’s extraordinarily rich archive. To begin with, the series will largely focus on some of the most popular albums from the ’50s and ’60s in their unmatched catalog. The July releases will celebrate two of Verve’s most beloved albums, the aforementioned Getz/Gilberto and Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson, and will be followed in August by John Coltrane’s immortal Impulse! records, A Love Supreme (1964) and Ballads (1963). Two of Nina Simone’s legendary Philips albums I Put A Spell On You (1965) and Pastel Blues (1965) will come in September which will be succeeded in October by two from the EmArcy Records vault: Sarah Vaughan‘s self-titled 1954 album, the vocal great’s sole collaboration with influential trumpeter Clifford Brown, who is also represented alongside pioneering drummer Max Roach on the hard bop classic, Study In Brown (1955). November will spotlight Decca Records with the iconic Peggy Lee’s first album, Black Coffee (1956), and composer George Russell’s important New York, N.Y. (1959) performed by an all-star orchestra that includes Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Art Farmer and Milt Hinton, among others. All titles and exact release dates are listed below. Additional titles will be announced as the series progresses.
Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson is a brilliant undertaking in which Verve’s legendary “house pianist” encountered one of jazz’s most revered giants. A significant part of Peterson’s genius was his ability to be an exceptional pianist and leader, while also being a perfect accompanist when the circumstance demands… and in a situation like this, to be both. Armstrong is not only recognized as one of the most innovative, singular, fascinating and beloved artists of the 20th century, but also one of the most generous in the way he embraced and stimulated his collaborators. Backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio – bassist Ray Brown and guitarist Herb Ellis, and augmented by frequent fourth member Louis Bellson on drums – these peerless heavyweights created an album that is utterly compelling, radiantly jubilant and consummate in artistry. The musicians provided the setting for the jewel that is Pops, with Peterson perfectly embellishing every phrase Armstrong sings or plays. The focus here is primarily upon his totally personal and thoroughly captivating vocal style, with his occasional trumpet solos limited in all but one case to a single chorus. Essentially culled from the Great American Song Book – Cole Porter, the Gershwins and Harold Arlen among the songwriters – the pieces range from poignant ballads and blues to effusive easy-grooved swing. Each song is an exquisitely crafted gem that will warm the heart and enrich the soul.
Getz/Gilberto is not only a marvelous album, but one which had a profound influence upon the face of jazz and American popular music. This stunning 1964 collaboration between Stan Getz, one of the most popular and respected tenor saxophonists of the era, and the remarkable Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, launched the bossa nova craze and the career of João’s wife Astrud Gilberto with the hugely popular and iconic hit song, “The Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema).” Even more impactful, it introduced the famed Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim to the English-speaking musical world. In addition to playing piano on the album, Jobim also composed six of the eight compositions, including two of his most popular masterpieces, “Desafinado” and “Corcovado,” along with the aforementioned “Garota de Ipanema.”
While Getz had embraced the music of Brazil prior to this with two outstanding Verve albums – Jazz Samba and Big Band Bossa Nova – Getz/Gilberto, with multiple Grammy Awards and a permanent place on various Best Albums of All-time lists is the album that launched a revolution. Regardless of that, the collaborative blending of Getz’s fluid, muscular virtuosity and João’s impeccable acoustic guitar stylings and captivating vocals, Astrud’s enchanting almost-whispered singing on two tracks, all backed by Jobim’s minimalist subtlety on piano and the flawless support of Sebãstio Neto and Milton Banana on bass and drums, make this an utterly momentous musical experience regardless of its lofty place in musical history.
Now these albums and many more will be heard better than ever in the exciting new audiophile Acoustic Sounds series.
Acoustic Sounds Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series:
July 31 / Verve Records
- Stan Getz and João Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto (1964)
- Louis Armstrong and Oscar Peterson – Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson (1959)
August 28 / Impulse! Records
- John Coltrane – Ballads (1963)
- John Coltrane – A Love Supreme (1964)
September 25 / Philips Records
- Nina Simone – I Put A Spell On You (1965)
- Nina Simone – Pastel Blues (1965)
October 30 / EmArcy Records
- Sarah Vaughan – Sarah Vaughan (with Clifford Brown) (1954)
- Clifford Brown and Max Roach – Study In Brown (1955)
November 27 / Decca Records
- Peggy Lee – Black Coffee (1956)
- George Russell – New York, N.Y. (1959)
Hazelridge, MB’s Country Bros BANNED & OUTLAWED Learn There’s a “Beer For Everything”
Canadian country duo Banned & Outlawed are back with another bangin’ backwoods anthem in their latest track, “Beer For Everything” — available now!
Bandmates and brothers Jon and Dan Hnatishin say the new single is far more than “just another mindless, beer-slingin’ song…
“This one tugs a bit on your heartstrings while leaving plenty of room for a good time,” Jon says. “It’s about growing up and learning lessons.”
“It stands right beside you while you crack a cold one after a hard day’s work,” Dan adds. “Heck, this song’s been with you since you stole that first drink from your parent’s basement fridge.
“You never need to drink alone again!”
Recorded and produced with Golden Oak Record Co’s Greg Arcade and Nathan Kehler, the track proved an interesting experience for the band and production team due to an unexpected location change mid-way. “During the tracking, Greg had an opportunity to move into a new studio space, which resulted in everyone having to come with him,” the brothers recall. “At the end of the day, the new creative space allowed for a heightening of creative quality, and the final production feels very organic and smooth.”
Studio recordings are par for the course now for the pair of siblings who sawed their first fiddles at ages three and four, respectively. With roots in the town of Hazelridge, Manitoba, the rural young-guns have performed in and around Canada’s western-most provinces at just about every county fair, rodeo, or town event imaginable.
“It doesn’t get much more country than growing up in small-town Manitoba,” they share. “It’s all cutting up dirt roads or drinking ice-cold long-necks at a bush party… We wanted to make music for that.”
“We play newer country music with our own twist, and we like to go big or go home,” Dan says. “We’re looking to do right by country music in a big way… We keep it modern with production while believing in traditional sensibilities in the songwriting.
“Business in the front, party in the back,” Jon adds, laughing. “Just kidding… No mullets here. Yet!”
“Beer For Everything” follows Banned & Outlawed’s premiere release, the internationally radio-featured “Write A Song,” and precedes their forthcoming debut album.
“Beer For Everything” is available now.
Rocker & Actor MICHAEL DES BARRES Offers Timely Take on “Anarchy In The UK”
Rocker, actor and European Marquis Michael Des Barres has released his newest single, his alternative and timely take on the Sex Pistols’ 1976 classic, “Anarchy In The UK” — available now!
“My version of ‘Anarchy In The UK’ is not an angry one,” Des Barres is quick to confirm. “The Sex Pistols were angry, but I am not angry!”
The track is backed with a self-written song “Where Did All The Lovers Go?” featuring Genya Ravan (Ten Wheel Drive, Dead Boys, Ronnie Spector) on co-lead vocals. It’s anchored in additional purpose, as well; “100% of the proceeds from the release will be donated to the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival in an effort to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism,” Des Barres shares.
“I wanted to record the song as if it was a warning that we live in dangerous times and the only thing to negate that danger is loving and being there for each other. It’s an opportunity to understand that love conquers all, especially now.
“I’m a huge fan of the Sex Pistols — Steve Jones, who I was in a band with in the 80s (Chequered Past), is one of the greatest guitarists rock n’ roll has ever experienced and I love him dearly,” he continues. “And I think John Lydon created a masterpiece lyrically.
“I have reinterpreted it in my own way to reflect the times we live in.”
With his own songwriting repertoire to lean on — including selling over seven million+ albums both as a recording artist and songwriter (his hit song “Obsession,” which hit #1 in 27 countries for LA new wavers Animotion, and continues to be featured in countless movies, tv shows and commercials) — why a cover?
“I think doing cover songs is a very good way to show audiences who you like and, for young bands, to learn how to write a great song,” he considers. “Listen to the greats, but never copy them.”
Sage advice coming from a man who’s rock-royalty resume includes fronting seminal 70s bands Silverhead and Detective, playing 1985’s Live Aid as part of Duran Duran spin-off The Power Station, and taking up Chequered Past with Sex Pistols alum Steve Jones and Blondie’s Clem Burke and Nigel Harrison.
These days, he can be heard DJ-ing on SiriusXM, including Little Steven’s Underground Garage, and continuously releasing new music through rocker (E Street Band) and actor (The Sopranos) Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.
“Working with Steven producing has been the highlight of my musical career,” he says.
The love is mutual: “Michael continues to evolve, evoke, and provoke,” Van Zandt adds. “As he extends his streak of his new work being his best work, he proves once again that virtually everyone from the Rock Era has made the very concept of chronological time totally irrelevant!”
Considering Des Barres is an artist who says “volume is an instrument,” it’s no wonder there’s a documentary slated for upcoming release following and reflecting on his storied career. His comfort in front of the screen vs stage will be natural: Also an actor, Des Barres’ credits include starring as Murdoc on the original MacGyver, as well as parts on Seinfeld, To Sir With Love, Roseanne, appearing in more than 40+ feature films, and more.
“We’re not here to impress, we’re here to learn and entertain,” he offers. “I’ve never been interested in technical ability, I’m interested in what an artist is feeling. It’s why I say to only write music to please yourself, never write what you think you should be writing.
“Regret nothing. Just be kind, be cool, and be courageous!”
“Anarchy In The UK” is available now.
Rush release official conceptual animated music video for “The Spirit of Radio”
Today, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Permanent Waves, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Rush premiere their new official conceptual music video for “The Spirit of Radio.” The animated video captures the magic, spirit and growth of the FM radio format with a nostalgic nod to the pioneering DJ’s broadcasting music into homes around the world. The video also pays homage to Rush’s friend, soul brother and fellow bandmate Neil Peart whose music and lyrics continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of the fans.
“The Spirit of Radio” is the first single off their 1980 album Permanent Waves, which reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and No. 3 in Canada. It is Rush’s seventh studio album and signaled a new direction for the Canadian band as it entered a new decade. “The Spirit of Radio” marked the band’s successful step from the more lengthy and thematic writing style they were known for and it has become one of their most cherished songs among fans. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 51 in the U.S., No 22 in Canada, the Top Twenty on the U.K. Singles chart and was named one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.
UMe/Mercury/Anthem label group recently released a new, imagination-capturing expanded edition of all the magic music that comprises the band’s remarkable 1980 release, Permanent Waves. Permanent Waves-40th Anniversary is available to fans in four distinct configurations, including the (1) Super Deluxe Edition, (2) two-CD Deluxe Edition, (3) three-LP Deluxe Edition, and (4) Deluxe Digital Edition.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the first entertainment radio broadcast from the XWA studio in Montreal as well as the first licensed broadcasting station in the U.S.